Federal Government’s New Policy: Why Benin Republic and Togo Graduates Need to Act Now
The news that the ban on certificates from Benin Republic and Togo will be lifted has brought immense relief to thousands of Nigerian graduates. However, as one door closes, another one opens, revealing a new, more stringent policy from the Nigerian federal government. This new system of mandatory credential verification will affect all graduates, making professional support more crucial than ever.
A New Era of Certificate Verification is Here
The federal government has officially implemented the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD). This landmark policy is a decisive move to combat the spread of fake certificates and restore integrity to Nigeria’s education system.
The core of this new policy is the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS), a centralized digital platform. Starting October 6, 2025, every Ministry, Department, Agency, and even private company must use this system to verify the academic credentials of all staff and prospective employees. This means no job offer will be finalized and no appointment confirmed without an instant NCVS clearance.
This new system is a game-changer. It shifts the burden of proof from individual institutions to a central, independent authority, making it nearly impossible for anyone to present a fraudulent document. This nationwide crackdown on certificate forgery means that every single certificate—regardless of where it was obtained—will be subject to a strict verification process.
The Challenge for Benin and Togo Graduates
While the lifting of the ban is a victory, it's important to understand that the new NERD policy now applies to you. The government's decision was heavily influenced by the widespread issue of unaccredited institutions and fake certificates from both within Nigeria and abroad.
Your certificate, even though it is legitimate, must now pass a rigorous, multi-layered verification process to be accepted for NYSC mobilization, job applications, or postgraduate admissions. Skipping a single step or making an error in documentation can lead to a red flag from the NCVS, causing significant delays or outright rejection.
Why You Need Expert Support for Certificate Authentication
Navigating this new system requires a deep understanding of both the Nigerian government’s policies and the specific legalization processes in the Benin Republic. Here is the complex path your certificate must follow:
University Verification: Your university in Cotonou must first confirm your graduation and authenticate your transcript and certificate.
Ministry of Higher Education Legalization: Your documents must be legalized by Benin’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS), which confirms the institution's accreditation.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Legalization: The documents must then be legalized at Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for use in Nigeria.
Final Evaluation in Abuja: The last and most critical step is the final authentication and Evaluation at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NERD both in Abuja.
With the new NCVS system, every one of these steps must be executed flawlessly. Failure to do so can result in your documents being flagged as unverified, which can have severe consequences for your career.
How Rgistplusedu Consult Can Help
This is where professional support becomes indispensable. At Rgistplusedu Consult, we are experts in this process and can help you avoid the pitfalls and ensure your documents are fully compliant with the new federal policy.
We offer comprehensive support to graduates from universities in the Benin Republic and Togo by:
Facilitating Verification: We manage the entire verification and legalization process directly with institutions and ministries in Cotonou on your behalf.
Ensuring Compliance: We ensure every document is correctly processed, from the initial university verification to the final authentication in Abuja.
Providing Expertise: Our team has a direct understanding of the new NERD policy and the latest requirements for NYSC mobilization and job applications.
Protecting You from Fraud: We work with official and verified channels, protecting you from fraudulent services and ensuring your certificate is fully recognized.
Don't leave your future to chance. The new federal policy is a positive step, but it demands careful attention to detail. Let Rgistplusedu Consult handle the complexities for you, so you can focus on building your career with confidence.
Contact us today to get started on your certificate authentication and secure your future.